What Is 1998 New Zealand Grand Prix

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1998 New Zealand Grand Prix was held on January 18, 1998, at Manfeild Autocourse near Feilding. It was won by Australian driver Marcos Ambrose, marking a significant early career victory in the Formula Holden series.

Key Facts

The 1998 New Zealand Grand Prix took place on January 18, 1998.
It was held at Manfeild Autocourse, located near Feilding in the Manawatū-Whanganui region.
Marcos Ambrose, an Australian driver, won the race driving a Reynard 91D.
The race was part of the Formula Holden championship series.
Ambrose completed the 52-lap race with a total time of 1 hour, 14 minutes, and 42 seconds.

Overview

The 1998 New Zealand Grand Prix was a pivotal event in the Formula Holden racing series, drawing top drivers from across the Asia-Pacific region. Held on January 18, 1998, at Manfeild Autocourse near Feilding, the race served as a key round in the national open-wheel calendar.

This edition of the Grand Prix was notable for showcasing future international talent and maintaining New Zealand’s reputation for high-caliber motorsport events. The circuit, known for its technical layout and elevation changes, provided a challenging test for competitors.

Marcos Ambrose claimed victory, driving a Reynard 91D powered by a Holden V6 engine, marking his breakthrough performance on the national stage.
The race spanned 52 laps, covering approximately 140 kilometers on the 2.7-kilometer Manfeild circuit.
Ambrose completed the race in 1 hour, 14 minutes, and 42 seconds, averaging a speed of 112 km/h despite intermittent rain.
The event attracted over 15,000 spectators, reflecting strong public interest in domestic motorsport during the late 1990s.
It was the 43rd running of the New Zealand Grand Prix, a race first held in 1950 and traditionally held in January.

How It Works

The 1998 New Zealand Grand Prix followed the standard format for Formula Holden races, combining qualifying sessions, a support race lineup, and a main event decided by laps and elapsed time.

Formula Holden: A single-seater open-wheel racing category used in Australia and New Zealand between 1989 and 2003. Cars featured 3.8L Holden V6 engines producing around 260 horsepower.
Manfeild Circuit: Officially known as Manfeild: Circuit Chris Amon, it is a 2.7-kilometer track with 12 turns, located near Feilding. It has hosted the Grand Prix multiple times since the 1980s.
Race Format: The event included a 20-minute qualifying session the day before, followed by a 52-lap main race on Sunday. Grid positions were determined by fastest lap times.
Driver Eligibility: Competitors were required to hold a CAMS (Confederation of Australian Motor Sport) or MotorSport New Zealand license, with most entrants aged between 18 and 26.
Points System: The race awarded championship points toward the Australian Drivers' Championship, with the winner receiving 15 points under the 1998 regulations.
Safety Measures: The event featured FIA-compliant barriers, medical response units on standby, and a safety car procedure used during the wet second half of the race.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 1998 Grand Prix to other editions highlights its significance in driver development and regional motorsport culture.

Year	Winner	Circuit	Winning Time	Series
1998	Marcos Ambrose	Manfeild	1:14:42	Formula Holden
1997	Jason Richards	Pukekohe	1:16:03	Formula Atlantic
1999	Joey Foster	Manfeild	1:13:58	Formula Holden
1995	Greg Murphy	Pukekohe	1:18:11	Formula Pacific
2000	Ryan Walker	Manfeild	1:15:20	Formula Holden

The 1998 race stood out due to its competitive field and the emergence of Ambrose, who later raced in NASCAR. Unlike earlier Formula Pacific years, the Formula Holden era emphasized cost control and driver skill, making results more consistent and accessible for young racers.

Why It Matters

The 1998 New Zealand Grand Prix played a crucial role in shaping careers and promoting motorsport in the southern hemisphere. It served as a proving ground for drivers aiming for international success.

Marcos Ambrose used this win as a springboard to win the 1999 Australian Drivers' Championship and later compete in V8 Supercars and NASCAR.
The race helped boost Manfeild’s profile, leading to renewed investment in track safety and facilities in the early 2000s.
It demonstrated the vitality of trans-Tasman motorsport, with Australian and New Zealand drivers competing on equal footing.
The event contributed to growing youth participation in motorsport, with local clubs reporting increased enrollments after televised broadcasts.
As one of the last major Formula Holden races, it highlighted the need for a new junior formula, eventually leading to the creation of Toyota Racing Series.
The 1998 Grand Prix is now seen as a historical benchmark for evaluating driver progression in Oceania’s motorsport pipeline.

Today, the race is remembered not just for its outcome, but for its role in developing future champions and strengthening regional motorsport ties.